Honda's Vitara Brezza rivaling compact SUV to be based on HR-V

Japanese car maker Honda has been working on a compact SUV that will go up against Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport in India. Emerging reports indicate that the upcoming SUV will be based on the company's HR-V SUV and its launch can be expected at Philippine International Motor Show this month.

The seven-seater SUV based on the HR-V is being developed at Honda's Thailand research facility, reports ET Auto. The purported model is only for Asian markets and will serve as an entry-level SUV from the manufacturer.

"The growth in the category (mini SUV) is significant, and we believe that it will continue. Honda is now considering to capture the SUV segment," Yoichiro Uen, President and CEO of Honda Cars India said. This hints at the new compact SUV plans for India. Honda's newly launched BR-V SUV rivals Hyundai Creta in India. Hence, the compact SUV space in Honda's stable is expected to be filled with the HR-V based new SUV.

Reports also indicate that Honda Car India may also bring the HR-V SUV. The entry of HR-V to India can be expected sometime in 2018. If HCIL goes ahead with the launch plan, it will fill the gap between the BR-V and the CR-V. The HR-V prices can be expected in the range of Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 lakh and at that price, it will go up against the soon-to-be-launched Hyundai Tucson.